Brain Age 2

How Does the Game Work?

Brain Age 2 starts by testing you to see what your “brain age” is. The idea is that as we age, our brains become slower and not as good at solving problems. You could think of it as a test of quickness rather than raw intelligence or IQ scores.

While debatable among scientists, the idea behind the game is that with the training provided in the game, you can lower your brain age score. Your actual intelligence won’t go up, but you’ll speed up your natural thought processes. Put another way, your brain is kind of like a muscle, and that like any muscle, training will improve its strength and quickness.

The best possible brain age achievable is 20. The higher the age, the worse your score.

What is New in Brain Age 2?

When you start the game, it feels pretty similar to the original. Dr. Kawashima’s head is there, as are the text bubbles. The differences begin with the in-between games and the casual banter of Dr. Kawashima. You will start with a randomly selected test to begin measuring your brain age. After completing a challenge, you then get to try a creative task, such as connecting dots, creating poems or drawing pictures. The Doctor will then make comments on your work and show you his own creations.

One main difference then between Brain Age and Brain Age 2 are the so-called in-between games. The other difference is the selection of challenges.

Brain Age Check

Before you can start training your brain, you will need to have your brain age checked. This is done through a series of mini games, some of which are:

• Rock, Paper, Scissors. In this game, you are presented with the choice of your opponent (rock, paper or scissors) and then you have to quickly decide which one either wins or loses against that choice. This game uses voice recognition. If you are in a place where you can’t or don’t want to speak, this game will be skipped.

• Number Memory. You are presented with a 5x5 grid with the numbers 1 through 25 randomly placed on the grid. You then have two minutes to memorize as much of the grid as you can before being tested.

• High Number. Several numbers will float around the screen, each with a different size font. You must select the number with the highest value with the stylus. Often the number with the biggest font will not have the largest numerical value.

Brain Training Tests

There are a number of brain training exercises you can play to improve your brain age. The best score is a brain age of 20. Some of the games you can play are:

• Calendar Count. This game uses the current calendar date. You are presented with questions such as “What will the date be one day after today?” You would then enter the number representing the month and day.

• Memory Sprint. You will watch three runners compete in a race. One runner is shaded darker than the other two. As they race, they will continually pass each other. Your task is to keep track of the position of the bold racer and enter its finishing position at the end of the race.

• Change Maker. You are shown the total bill amount and the dollar amount that is used to pay the bill. You must then make the correct change. The change screen shows pennies, nickels dimes and quarters, along with one and five dollar bills. You must tap the coins and bills needed to make change.

• Sign Finder. You are shown a mathematical equation that is missing the sign (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). Select the sign that makes the equation true.